Hardtkopfsteig O3

The hiking trail is very well signposted. Always follow the hiking sign O3.The hike starts at the large signpost in the center of Oberkirchen (at the Sparkasse). We cross the crosswalk, keep right and turn left uphill on the Hardtweg. The path leads us to the edge of the forest. There we turn right/straight ahead up the small path, cross the hiking trail twice and follow the path uphill each time. At the third hiking trail, we turn left and immediately right again and follow the path to the summit cross on the Hardtkopf. From the summit, the trail leads downhill along a path. At a crossroads (small detour possible) with a view of Holthausen and Bad Fredeburg, the path leads us downhill to the left.Detour: If we go straight ahead at this crossroads, after a few meters we come to a cross with a bench. After a break, we return to the crossroads and follow the excellent hiking trail (downhill to the right).We cross the next hiking trail and follow the path downhill. We turn right at a bench with a sign and left at the end of the path. At the next crossroads, we turn right and walk straight ahead on the asphalt path, past the white cross with a refuge. After a few meters, we turn left onto a path. Here we also come across the black hiking sign for the Rothaarsteig trail "Sorpe Panoramapfad". After a while, the path leads us uphill. At the top, we turn left and follow the path through the "Knollen" quarry. After the quarry, we cross the hiking trail again and follow the path downhill. After a while, we reach the Knollenhütte. In good weather, this is open for refreshments at weekends and on public holidays.Continue left at the hut. The path leads us back towards Oberkirchen. At the next opportunity, we go straight ahead, then stay on the path and take the next path on the right. At a bend, the hiking trail leads us slightly uphill to the left. At the end of the path with a view of Oberkirchen, we turn left. After a few meters, the path on the right leads us back to the village and our starting point.